These Empty Nesters Built a Dream Home with Their Grandkids in Mind

This article details the journey of a Great Falls couple who embarked on a 12-year project to build their dream home, rather than opting for a renovation. The 6,500-square-foot, four-bedroom French manor house was designed with family, entertaining, and travel in mind, reflecting the homeowners' personalities and interests. McLean-based interior designer Maria Galiani played a pivotal role in bringing their vision to life. The couple acquired the property in 2005, initially living in a 1970s ranch house located at the rear. By 2010, they decided to demolish the existing structure and build a new home, finding that renovating the old house was impractical due to various regulations. They collaborated with Sekas Homes, who modified their initial plans to construct a brick-and-stone French manor. Sekas Homes also strategically positioned the new house closer to the front of the property, converting the former ranch house site into a swimming pool. Galiani's initial contributions focused on selecting essential finishes, such as bathroom tiles, paint colors, and flooring. The homeowner expressed a desire for a warm, European-country aesthetic with rustic yet chic elements. Hickory floors with varied tones were chosen to achieve an informal feel throughout the home. Six years into the project, Galiani was re-engaged to upgrade the living and dining rooms. The homeowner's favorite color, purple, influenced the selection of Benjamin Moore's Elephant Gray for the walls. A significant enhancement to the dining room was the creation of a custom mantel feature wall. This design was inspired by an antique ornamental zinc window from the Perry flats building in Toledo, Ohio, which Galiani incorporated above the fireplace, replacing its glass with a mirror. To maintain symmetry, long mirrors were mounted on either side of the fireplace, framed by a striking cast stone wall. The dining area was furnished with elegant, unfussy pieces, including slipper dining chairs and a hide rug. Custom cornices were added to both the dining and living rooms to introduce a touch of formality, and consistency was achieved by using the same geometric-patterned linen draperies and matching grid-patterned hide rugs, ensuring continuity between the two cased-opening rooms. The most recent phase of renovations, completed in 2021, focused on the primary bedroom. Previously, the 489-square-foot room had angled ceiling lines and two small closets. Galiani's redesign aimed to square off the angled eaves, which had visually constrained the space, creating a more cohesive look. Although this process reduced the room's square footage by 40 square feet, the lost space was reclaimed as integrated storage. The two smaller closets were combined into a single, expansive walk-in closet, complete with a custom storage island featuring Fantasy Brown marble. On the opposite side of the room, Galiani added a feature wall incorporating integrated storage, a television, and a gas fireplace, complemented by cozy furnishings. The previously plain tray ceiling was embellished with a custom design of mitered box beams stained in a dark brown finish, adding a purposeful architectural element. The homeowners expressed satisfaction with their transformed home, which now offers improved functionality and intentional design. #HomeDesign #GreatFalls #InteriorDesign #MariaGaliani #HomeBuilding #LuxuryHome #CustomHome #ArchitecturalDesign

Deborah and Jason DeSalvo, a couple from Montclair, embarked on a multiyear project to construct an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly home in Hunterdon County. Their primary goal was to create a residence with a minimal carbon footprint, integrated holistically into its natural surroundings. They acquired 43 acres of farmland and, with a strong commitment to sustainable living, began an extensive research phase to determine the best building practices and materials. Their vision was a traditional-looking farmhouse that covertly incorporated advanced ecological features. The DeSalvos collaborated with architect Bill Kaufman of WESKetch Architecture and Construction. Their detailed list of requirements included generating their own energy through solar panels and a geothermal heating/cooling system. They insisted on locally sourced materials, preferably from the United States and manufactured close to their home, to reduce transportation impact. Furthermore, they demanded a toxic-free environment, specifying all-electric, EPA-rated appliances and avoiding gas or propane. Jason DeSalvo emphasized his unwillingness to compromise on these stringent environmental criteria throughout the design and construction process. Kaufman embraced the challenge, applying the 'small-house architectural theory'—not necessarily meaning small in size, but rather small in environmental footprint. Although their house is 4,000 square feet, the design prioritizes efficient space utilization, ensuring every room serves a daily purpose. The layout also incorporates features for aging in place, such as first-floor living and accessibility without barriers. Kaufman described the final design as having outward simplicity but inward complexity, resulting in an attractive, livable home where the sustainable elements are largely undetectable to occupants. Functionality and design were inextricably linked in Cold Brook Farm's construction. Seventy-two south-facing solar panels and a sophisticated seven-zone geothermal system enable the house to achieve net-zero energy status, producing all the energy required for the household annually. This surplus energy is also sufficient to charge two electric cars for 15,000 miles each per year. A tightly sealed insulation envelope protects against external temperature fluctuations, while deep eaves regulate sunlight penetration, allowing warmth in winter and blocking excessive heat in summer. Extensive southern-facing windows maximize natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. Interior design, spearheaded by Anastasia Harrison of ADH & Co., also adhered to strict sustainability guidelines. All materials were sourced from American companies and local craftsmen, with a focus on sustainability. Walnut beams in the living room were crafted from trees harvested on the property, and materials like ceramic tile resembling brick and soapstone countertops were chosen for their natural properties, requiring no toxic sealants. All paints used were non-VOC. The DeSalvos repurposed existing furniture and meticulously researched new items to ensure they were free from noxious chemicals and petroleum products. Their commitment extended to avoiding shingles, specific tiles, gas lights, and generators. Beyond the house, the DeSalvos dedicated themselves to preserving and revitalizing their 43-acre land. They practice organic, regenerative farming, growing healthy food on 12.5 acres, including grain for flour. They preserved over 5 acres of wetland and 25 acres of natural woodland, reintroducing native plant species and removing invasive ones. Around the house, only edible plants or those beneficial to wildlife were used for landscaping. The DeSalvos acknowledged the higher initial cost, estimating a 30 percent premium over traditional construction, but highlighted the long-term environmental benefits and the anticipated 10-year payback period through reduced operating costs. #SustainableHome #NetZeroEnergy #GreenBuilding #HunterdonCounty #SolarPanels #GeothermalHeating #EcoFriendly #OrganicFarming #LocalSourcing

The article highlights Brazos Bend SL-2096, a new Southern Living house plan designed with multi-generational living and accessibility in mind. This plan made its debut as a Showcase Home in College Station, Texas, built by Kurk Homes, a member of the Southern Living Custom Builder Program. The home, with a total area of 3,755 square feet, features 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, specifically catering to families who wish to accommodate multiple generations under one roof. A key aspect of the Brazos Bend design is its focus on accessibility and comfort for all age groups. On the first floor, the house boasts dual primary suites, providing convenient and private living spaces for different generations or guests. These suites are complemented by zero-entry showers, which eliminate steps or curbs, enhancing safety and ease of use for individuals with mobility challenges. Additionally, the house incorporates extra-wide doorways, measuring 3-feet wide, ensuring easy navigation throughout the home for wheelchairs or individuals requiring more space. The main living area on the first floor features a spacious open-concept design, maximizing the use of its footprint. The kitchen is a notable element, equipped with 12-foot tall cabinetry that includes a built-in ladder. This design allows for ample storage, particularly for less frequently used items such as seasonal china or specialized bakeware, making the most of vertical space. Further enhancing the home's functionality and aesthetic appeal are the bifold windows located in the breakfast nook. These windows open completely to an outdoor countertop with bar seating, creating a fluid connection between indoor and outdoor dining and entertainment areas. Large sliding doors in the living room further extend this seamless indoor-outdoor living experience by connecting to a covered patio. Melanie McGinley Sparks, co-owner and builder, emphasized how the natural light flooding through these windows contributes to a spacious feel while maintaining a sense of connection within the home. She describes the space as timeless and suitable for long-term residency. In a nod to the local culture and traditions, the design incorporates elements referencing Texas A&M University, as both builders, Melanie Sparks and Chris McGinley, are alumni. The home’s interior features a 'calvary green' color palette and vintage decorations, including a 1940s Texas A&M newspaper, 'The Battalion', and shadowboxes displaying vintage sweaters, boots, and uniforms from the 'Yell Leader’s' and Corps of Cadets, integrating local heritage into the home's character. The second floor of the Brazos Bend plan offers additional living spaces, including a large bonus room, also referred to as a 'gameday room.' This room features vaulted ceilings, a wet bar, and a balcony, making it an ideal space for recreation and entertaining. This level also includes two additional bedrooms that share a bathroom with a distinctive checkerboard-floor tile, adding a touch of classic design. The overall design of Brazos Bend SL-2096 emphasizes spaciousness, accessibility, and integrated living for diverse family needs. #MultiGenerationalLiving #HousePlan #SouthernLiving #ShowcaseHome #AccessibleDesign #OpenConcept #HomeDesign #CollegeStation #TexasAMTraditions

The Olah family's return to Australia in 2018 after living in Hong Kong and New York marked a new chapter, offering the opportunity to establish their furniture brand, Reddie, in Sydney. They acquired a prime piece of real estate in Queens Park, a verdant suburb close to Bronte Beach and just 6km from the central business district. Due to Queens Park's heritage status, the Olahs consulted experts regarding the existing house on the property. They were advised that the original 1990s construction was not worth preserving, which presented a unique opportunity for them to construct a contemporary architectural dwelling. Caroline Olah, an interior architect by profession, envisioned a dream home for her family, including her son Eddie, now nine, and daughter Jay, six. While her professional background was primarily in commercial interior design, she sought a specialist to help bring her residential vision to life. A mutual friend introduced them to local architect Andrew Chapman, whose diverse residential work resonated with the Olahs. Chapman's understanding of local planning regulations was also a significant advantage. Olah described their collaboration as a 50-50 partnership, highlighting Chapman's willingness to work with a client who possessed a strong design background, a characteristic she found challenging to find among other architects. The family's desire was for a Zen-inspired home, a concept deeply influenced by their time in Asia. They aimed for a minimalist aesthetic, focusing on clean lines, natural light, and a calming atmosphere. The design process involved careful consideration of material selection to achieve this minimalist goal. The chosen palette was intentionally limited to four primary materials: concrete, paint, wood, and marble. This restrained approach was crucial in establishing the serene and uncluttered environment the Olahs sought. The final structure is a 3,500 sq ft house, which includes a studio, embodying a minimalist design where every element serves a purpose. The project was not without its challenges, particularly given the heritage context of Queens Park, which often imposes strict guidelines on new constructions. However, the collaboration between Caroline Olah's clear design vision and Andrew Chapman's architectural expertise ensured that the project navigated these complexities successfully. The home is a testament to thoughtful design and the successful integration of a minimalist philosophy within a family living space. The outcome is a contemporary home that blends seamlessly with its leafy surroundings while reflecting the Olah family's lifestyle and aesthetic preferences, proving that sometimes, taking a calculated risk in design can lead to profoundly rewarding results. #ZenHomeDesign #MinimalistArchitecture #SydneyRealEstate #FamilyHome #InteriorArchitecture #AndrewChapmanArchitect #QueensParkSydney #ContemporaryDesign